Overview & Reviews
Introduced for 2002 and produced through 2009, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer was one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America. Qualities like a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, plentiful features and an inexpensive price made it a hit with consumers early in the model cycle. But fleet operators picked up much of the slack in the later years as consumers went with more refined crossover rivals. Based on our testing experience, the TrailBlazer left much to be desired as a midsize SUV.
Although modern luxury features such as navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment were available, this SUV's handling dynamics were more state-of-the-past than state-of-the-art. The standard Chevy TrailBlazer's unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering wouldn't inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway. In past years, traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the TrailBlazer weren't expected to handle well in these situations. But times changed and virtually all of the Chevy's rivals offered superior road manners. Another major drawback was the TrailBlazer's cabin design. It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.
From a performance standpoint, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS was an interesting choice, as it addressed the SUV's handling woes via substantial tuning to the chassis and steering. The SS also provided rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8. But in the grand scheme of things, the SS was a niche vehicle. For a workaday midsize SUV, other truck-based competitors would serve you better than the standard Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
Most Recent Chevrolet TrailBlazer
As a unique model, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted for 2002, though the name "TrailBlazer" was actually in use previously as an upscale trim level for the regular four-door Blazer SUV. After the TrailBlazer's debut, Chevy slowly phased out the Blazer and let the TrailBlazer become its main truck-based midsize SUV. There was also an extended-wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT that offered seven-passenger seating and class-leading cargo room. At the time, the 4.2-liter inline-6 made 270 horsepower.
There were other changes over the years. The big news for 2003 was a special North Face Edition trim package and the availability of a 290-hp 5.3-liter V8 in the extended TrailBlazer EXT, while the next couple of years saw a host of evolutionary improvements like increased availability of the V8, power-adjustable pedals, restyled seating, side curtain airbags, DVD-based navigation, CD/MP3 audio and satellite radio.
The hotter, performance-oriented Chevy TrailBlazer SS packing a 391-hp 6.0-liter V8 debuted in 2006. This was also the year that the 5.3-liter V8 became available for non-EXT models and the inline-6 engine's output rose to 291 hp. The TrailBlazer EXT was dropped for '07. The 5.3-liter V8 was likewise history for 2009 and the TrailBlazer itself was gone for 2010.
Throughout most of the TrailBlazer's model run, there were three main trim levels: base LS, luxury-themed LT and high-performance SS. The LS came decently equipped, while the LT provided access to some higher-level features such as leather seating. Chevrolet offered two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) was equipped similarly to the LS but featured a powerful V8, a sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) added all the LT's amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and "SS" monograms on the seats, there was nothing special about the SS interior.
Although a four-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, there was a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (4WD) except in the SS, which could have either two- or all-wheel drive.
Behind the wheel, we found that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's suspension was a mixed bag -- its soft tuning resulted in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway. But push it hard into a corner or hit the rough stuff too fast and the TrailBlazer's overly compliant setup would get out of sorts quickly. Most buyers would likely find the inline-6 engine adequate, though it's definitely lacking in low-end torque compared to some rivals' V6 offerings. Our test of the TrailBlazer SS revealed an altogether different beast that felt more like a muscle car than an SUV. It ripped to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds or about as quick as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model's modified chassis was capable of handling all that power. When pushed through twists and turns, the SS's body motions were well controlled and its steering feel was excellent.
User Reviews:
Showing 1271 through 1280 of 1,336.00-
bad engines - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By elazno - November 16 - 10:00 amJust got a letter from Chevrolet - "not a recall",it says "letter to make you aware that some 2002 model year Chevrolet TrailBlazer model vehicles may experience a cracking of an engine cylinder bore liner. This will cause engine noise, poor performance, and/or stalls with no engine re-start." They are extending the warranty coverage for this problem to 7 years 100,000 miles. Dont know how I feel about keeping a car that is likely to leave me stranded. I am trading mine before people find out about this problem, as this will kill the trade-in value! Too bad, I love this vehicle and would have kept it for years!
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Great! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By mosepda - November 16 - 10:00 amJust got it and love it...The foreign SUVs just look wayyyy to overdone and almost clownish...This is a truck/ SUV the way it was meant to look and be.
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Very very good! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Flawsey - November 10 - 10:00 amThis truck is great if you cant afford one of the other big SUVs like a Tahoe or Etc... . I got mine for a great deal so I was please with the price. I only had the truck for 4 months but so far no problems !
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Excellence - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By lonewolf359 - November 2 - 10:00 amThis is an excellent all around suv
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Used But Runs Like New - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Bronxvette - October 5 - 10:00 amPurchased used with 45000 miles. This truck rides like a car.Fun to drive. Checked out history,L/F window motor and a sunroof module are the only repairs in 45000 miles. GREAT TRUCK. Will buy a new next. What SUV gets the mileage they state on the sticker?? 14MPG local 18 highway
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Repair Central - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By nenglert - October 5 - 10:00 amThis vehicle has had 7 recalls. I have had numerous electrical problems. Other owners I have met at the dealership have similar issues. What is fishy is that the defects are not all alike. I have had to file a lemon law act to get one issue fixed which took two dealerships 5 tries. Another customer has had 4 different electrical issues that I never experienced. This vehicle is fun to drive if you can keep it out of the service department.
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TrailBlazer disappoints - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By unclebug - September 28 - 10:00 amThis inline six should get much better gas mileage. With all city driving I am lucky to get 12 mpg. Very disapointing!
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good buy - 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By blazer - September 17 - 5:50 amI love this car. Traded in a 1997 4runner. The Trailblazer rides better, handles better, and has more power than the new Explorer and 4runner. I highly recommend the LT package. The automatic climate control is awesome. The locking rear differential is a good deal for only $300 dollars extra.
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I love it! - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By rm2177 - September 12 - 10:00 amMy wife and I just bought an LT and we love it. The look of the exterior is best in its class if you ask me. The interior is well placed, even though the materials could be better. The I6 engine is very smooth and powerfull.I dont think well have a problem towing any toys.Wind noise could be a little less, but not bad overall.
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Trail Blazer LTZ - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
By Halfons - September 3 - 2:00 amI am so happy with this car
